By Edet Ikotidem

Uyo – The Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) heade by Dr. Bassey Willie has reassured its members and supporters that the party remains a legally recognised political platform despite a recent judgment of the Federal High Court in Lokoja, saying it has already appealed the decision.

NDC Insists it Remains Legally Recognised, Appeals Court Judgment

Addressing journalists at the party’s secretariat on Oron Road, Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State leadership of the party said the court ruling did not amount to an order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the NDC.

The party maintained that it remains fully operational and committed to democratic governance, national development and the preparation for the 2027 general elections.

NDC Insists it Remains Legally Recognised

The state chapter commended the leadership of the party’s National Leader, Distinguished Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, CON, describing him as a source of inspiration whose commitment has continued to strengthen the party. It also praised the National Chairman, Senator Proper Moses Zoufa, for what it described as his steadfast leadership during the legal challenge.

According to the party, following the Federal High Court judgment, the National Secretary issued clarifications on the legal implications of the decision, while both the National Leader and National Chairman assured members that no order had been made directing INEC to remove the party from the register of political parties.

Although expressing respect for the judiciary, the NDC said it disagreed with the judgment and had already approached the Court of Appeal to challenge the decision.

The party argued that the judgment neither invalidated its registration nor arose from an appeal against the court order that compelled INEC to register the NDC. Rather, it said the case originated from a suit instituted by an association known as the Peace Movement Party.

In defending its position, the NDC contended that the Peace Movement was neither a registered political party nor a legal entity certified by the Corporate Affairs Commission. It further claimed that while the association reportedly applied for registration in 2015 without success, the NDC pursued its registration process from 2017 until it was eventually registered through a court order.

The party also maintained that among the 171 associations that sought registration as political parties between 2017 and 2025, the Peace Movement was not listed as an applicant.

On the issue of the party’s victory symbol, the NDC argued that the “V” sign is a universally recognised symbol associated with peace and victory and has historically been used by notable global figures, including Mahatma Gandhi, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It therefore maintained that the symbol could not reasonably be claimed as the exclusive property of any single organisation.

The party disclosed that its legal team had already filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal on the directive of its national leadership, expressing confidence that the appellate court would uphold what it described as the lawful registration and continued existence of the NDC.

Reassuring party faithful, the Akwa Ibom State chapter said its structures remained intact from the polling unit level to the national level, adding that the party had complied with all constitutional and statutory requirements governing political party registration and operations.

It further stated that its congresses and primary elections had been successfully conducted in accordance with applicable electoral guidelines, insisting that all candidates nominated by the party remained validly sponsored.

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The party said preparations for the 2027 general elections would continue without

interruption, stressing that ongoing legal proceedings would not distract it from presenting what it described as a credible and people-oriented political alternative to Nigerians.

The NDC also appealed to residents of Akwa Ibom State to remain calm and avoid misinformation, expressing confidence that the judicial process would ultimately resolve the issues surrounding the judgment.

It expressed concern over what it described as the increasing use of legal processes to challenge emerging political parties but reaffirmed its commitment to defending democratic principles, constitutional rights and inclusive governance.

The state chapter expressed appreciation to Senator Henry Seriake Dickson for what it described as his courage, foresight and commitment to building a credible political platform. Similar commendations were extended to the National Chairman, Senator Proper Moses Zoufa, and the National Secretary, Barrister Ikena Kimse Okoyen, for their leadership during the ongoing legal proceedings.

Quoting the late American civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the party said: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy,” adding that the quotation reflected the resilience of its national leadership.

The Akwa Ibom chapter also paid tribute to its governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Michael Enyong, popularly known as Baba Ntan, commending his commitment, generosity and vision for the state. It equally praised its candidates for the Senate, House of Representatives and House of Assembly, describing them as individuals of integrity who embody the ideals of the Nigeria Democratic Congress.

The party concluded by expressing optimism about its electoral prospects and reaffirmed its determination to continue pursuing its political objectives through lawful and democratic means while awaiting the outcome of the appeal.